Dakota’s Surgical Journey
Dr. Wayne Berberian is a specialized orthopedic surgeon who repairs complications of the foot and ankle. He is among the rare physicians who have mastered both a caring patient centered approach and a level of surgical skill that is so advanced; it can be viewed as true artistry.
My daughter, Dakota, has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease – CMT Type 1A. Since her diagnosis, we have worked tirelessly to find treatments that could provide her with the most comfortable, pain-free life possible. Last year, we began our search for a surgeon. CMT patients know how difficult it can be to find a surgeon with a stellar reputation and knowledge of CMT. Fortunately, we found Dr. Berberian who exceeded our expectations on every level.
Dakota, like many living with moderate to severe forms of CMT can be helped with surgery. Dakota’s case required four surgeries. Each foot consisted of ten procedures broken down to two surgeries of five procedures each. The procedures Dr. Berberian performed were focused on correcting Dakota’s forefoot deformity, cavus high arch, ankle laxity and tendon relocation.
In addition to twelve hospital affiliations, Dr. Berberian is one of a number of top physicians who own and operate Vanguard Surgical Center in Maywood, New Jersey. Vanguard offers top quality surgical care through an innovative team approach and is a model for hospitals and surgical centers to aspire to.
As our family approached Dakota’s first surgery, we prepared for a difficult year. Her recovery has been challenging but the support from Dr. Berberian has made the last six months significantly easier. Selecting the right surgeon is critical. For us, that surgeon is Dr. Wayne Berberian. I have conveyed to Dakota in the moments when she is struggling with the painful recovery, that she is changing her path in life, and remind her how brave she is to endure this long process. Her outlook is positive and she cannot wait to begin college this fall with a brand new pair of feet! Dakota is taking charge of her CMT and Dr. Berberian has given her the ability to take the ‘first step’ into her future!
I have CMT and am facing surgery. Sign me up
In 2013 I was diagnosed with CMT. But while talking it over, the neurosurgeon nor any other doctor knew anything about treatment or surgery. When I tried to join the military in 1970, I failed the medical exam and was declared unfit to join. The doctor that examined me said there was something wrong with my feet. He didn’t know what was wrong, but he knew something was really wrong with my feet. In 1998 I suffered severe pain in my feet that felt like hundreds of needles were stuck in my feet. And I don’t have diabetes, and the pain soon went away after wearing magnetic insoles. By 2008 I began falling down when on unleveled ground. But in August of 2009 I couldn’t sell cars anymore because I couldn’t walk the same anymore. So I am 62 years old, and for the 2016 year before I turn 63, I finally see the surgery discoveries…but I live in San Diego, and can’t find a surgeon here.
You can visit HNF’s HCP Directory where you can find a doctor in your area. New doctors are added weekly. https://www.hnf-cure.org/provider-directory/
Two of my children & I have CMT also. Great article!
I was born with scoliosis and extremely high arch feet. As a child I has special shoes as my oldest sister remembers. I think I remember casting to my legs and feet. Back in the 60’s people didn’t have medical insurance. Iv always had leg ankle foot knee and back pain going to Dr.s and Chiropractors.
No Dr’s. around York Pa. Have any knowledge of CMT. Nor do they want to diognose me with it.
I’m very happy for Dakota getting the treatments as a young lady unfortunately I’m now 53 I have had one foot surgery for a bunion and torn tendon in my foot. My podiatrist is the one who reminded me of my extremely high arches he did my foot surgery and gave me a prescription for prosthetics for in my shoes. I am unable to ware them and Chiropractic is now in heavy treatment again.
Happy walking Dakota.
See dr Katz in Chambersburg, Pa. Be quick he is retiring May of 2017
Kratz
CMT is not just hereditary…I fell 20-some-odd feet from a tree, to the ground, flat on my back, when I was 8 years old…one of my lumbar disc broke, and had been sitting on my sciatic nerve for 50 years…so the nerves in my feet, ankles, legs and knees were damaged over the years…but the real bad damage came in my late 40s and 50s…so in 2013 I was diagnosed with CMT, but no one in my family ever had CMT…yet I have all the symptoms of CMT…the toes in my feet are clawed…I have semi high arches in my feet…my heels hurt when I sleep on my back…my ankles are gone, where I have absolutely no control of my ankles…all of these are symptoms of CMT, as I read online…in many articles online…so how do you explain this?